Question

A nurse is caring for a client with a potassium level of 3. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?

1) Increased heart rate
2) Decreased blood pressure
3) Muscle weakness
4) Confusion

Answer 1

Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, increased heart rate, and decreased blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

A potassium level of 3 indicates hypokalemia, which is an abnormally low potassium blood level. The nurse should expect the following assessment findings:

1. Muscle weakness: Hypokalemia can impair the function of skeletal muscles, leading to weakness.
2. Increased heart rate: Severely low potassium levels can cause arrhythmias and increased heart rate.
3. Decreased blood pressure: Hypokalemia can affect the function of the heart, leading to decreased blood pressure.